The Most Popular Type of Bacon, Ranked

Choose the type you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:53
Everyone has a preference when it comes to their breakfast delicacies, particularly with a product as beloved as bacon. By casting a vote for your preferred type, you contribute to a broader understanding of what varieties rise above the rest. This data not only influences future bacon lovers but also guides producers in understanding consumer preferences. Each vote plays a crucial role in sculpting the evolving landscape of culinary favorites. As you participate, you not only ensure your tastes are represented but also help paint a clearer picture of the crowd favorites. Your involvement could very well be what helps your favorite type of bacon get the recognition it deserves.

What Is the Most Popular Type of Bacon?

  1. 1
    27
    votes
    Hickory wood is used to smoke the bacon, giving it a smoky and rich flavor. It is the most common type of bacon in the United States.
    Hickory Smoked Bacon is a type of cured pork belly that is famous for its distinct smoky flavor. It is made by smoking the bacon over hickory wood chips, which enhances its taste and aroma. Hickory Smoked Bacon is widely enjoyed for breakfast, in sandwiches, salads, and as a versatile ingredient in various dishes.
    • Type of Bacon: Cured pork belly
    • Flavor Profile: Distinct smoky flavor
    • Smoking Method: Hickory wood chips
    • Usage: Ideal for breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and cooking
    • Region of Origin: Southern United States
  2. 2
    36
    votes
    Applewood is used to smoke the bacon, giving it a slightly sweet and smoky flavor. It is a popular choice for those who prefer a milder bacon flavor.
    Applewood Smoked Bacon is a type of bacon that is highly regarded for its distinct smoky flavor and aroma. It is made by smoking strips of pork belly using applewood chips, resulting in a uniquely sweet and slightly fruity taste. The creator of Applewood Smoked Bacon is unknown, as various brands and producers offer this popular bacon variant.
    • Smoking Method: Applewood
    • Flavor Profile: Smoky, Sweet, Fruity
    • Texture: Crisp
    • Cut: Strips of Pork Belly
    • Thickness: Regular
  3. 3
    12
    votes
    Maple Bacon
    Jonathunder · GFDL 1.2

    Maple Bacon

    Duck Donuts
    Maple syrup is used to flavor the bacon, giving it a slightly sweet and smoky taste. It is a popular choice for breakfast dishes.
    The Maple Bacon duck donut is a delectable combination of sweet and savory flavors. It features a freshly made vanilla cake donut covered in a rich maple glaze, topped with crispy bacon bits. The contrasting flavors of the sweet maple glaze and the smoky bacon create a delightful taste experience.
    • Donut Type: Vanilla Cake
    • Glaze: Maple
    • Topping: Crispy Bacon Bits
    • Flavor Profile: Sweet and Savory
    • Texture: Soft and Moist
  4. 4
    14
    votes
    Black peppercorns are rubbed on the bacon before smoking, giving it a spicy and bold flavor. It is a popular choice for those who like their bacon with a bit of a kick.
    Peppercorn Bacon is a type of bacon that is known for its delicious combination of savory bacon flavor and a enticing hint of peppercorn spice. The bacon is typically made from high-quality pork belly that has been cured and seasoned with a generous amount of cracked black peppercorns. When cooked, the peppercorns impart a robust and slightly spicy flavor to the bacon, making it a favorite among bacon enthusiasts.
    • Flavor profile: Savory with a hint of peppercorn spice
    • Main ingredient: Pork belly
    • Curing method: Cured with cracked black peppercorns
    • Texture: Crisp and flavorful
    • Cooking method: Can be fried, baked, or grilled
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    Also known as back bacon, this type of bacon is made from pork loin and is leaner than traditional bacon. It is a popular choice for breakfast and is often used in Eggs Benedict.
    Canadian Bacon is a type of pork product that is popular in Canada and North America. It is known for its lean and juicy texture, along with its slightly sweet and smoky flavor. Unlike traditional American bacon which is made from pork belly, Canadian Bacon is made from lean cuts of pork loin, which gives it a healthier profile. It is typically cured and smoked before being sliced thinly and cooked. Canadian Bacon is commonly used as a topping on pizzas, in breakfast sandwiches, or simply enjoyed on its own.
    • Texture: Lean and juicy
    • Flavor: Slightly sweet and smoky
    • Cut: Made from pork loin
    • Health Profile: Leaner than American bacon
    • Preparation: Cured and smoked
  6. 6
    13
    votes
    This Italian bacon is made from pork belly and is cured with salt, pepper, and other spices. It is often used in pasta dishes and as a topping for pizzas.
    Pancetta is a type of Italian cured pork belly that is commonly used in charcuterie. It is made by seasoning the pork belly with salt and spices, such as black pepper, garlic, and herbs, and then rolling it tightly and curing it for several weeks. The result is a flavorful, thinly sliced meat with a delicate texture.
    • Origin: Italy
    • Curing Method: Salt-cured
    • Primary Ingredient: Pork belly
    • Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic, herbs
    • Texture: Delicate
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    This Italian bacon is made from pork jowl and is cured with salt, pepper, and other spices. It is a popular ingredient in pasta dishes like Carbonara.
    Guanciale is a popular type of Italian bacon made from the salt-cured pork jowl or cheek. It is typically seasoned with black pepper and sometimes with additional herbs and spices. Guanciale has a rich, fatty flavor and a tender texture that melts in the mouth when cooked. It is a traditional ingredient in classic Italian recipes, especially in the central regions of Lazio and Umbria.
    • Cut: Pork jowl or cheek
    • Curing: Salt-cured
    • Seasoning: Black pepper, herbs, and spices
    • Flavor: Rich and fatty
    • Texture: Tender, melting in the mouth when cooked
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    This bacon is sold in large, uncut slabs and is often used in Southern cooking. It is a popular choice for making bacon bits and for seasoning vegetables.
    Slab Bacon is a type of bacon that is traditionally made from the belly of the pig. It is notable for its thick and meaty texture, as well as its rich and smoky flavor. Unlike sliced bacon, slab bacon is sold in one large piece, often with the rind or skin still attached. Its versatile nature allows it to be used in various recipes, such as being sliced into thick chunks for grilling or used as an ingredient in stews and soups.
    • Texture: Thick and meaty
    • Flavor: Rich and smoky
    • Preparation: Sold in a single piece
    • Appearance: Often with rind/skin attached
    • Usage: Grilled, used in stews and soups
  9. 9
    4
    votes
    This bacon is made from turkey and is a popular choice for those who want a leaner and healthier option. It has a milder taste than traditional bacon.
    Turkey bacon is a type of bacon made from the meat of the turkey, primarily the turkey thigh or turkey breast. It is a popular alternative to traditional pork bacon due to its leaner profile and lower fat content. Turkey bacon is typically cured and smoked to resemble the appearance and flavor of traditional bacon, but with a milder taste.
    • Meat Source: Turkey thigh or turkey breast
    • Lean Profile: Lower fat content compared to pork bacon
    • Curing: Typically cured to enhance flavor and preserve the meat
    • Smoking: Smoked to resemble the appearance and flavor of traditional bacon
    • Taste: Milder taste compared to pork bacon
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    This bacon is made from beef and is a popular choice for those who do not eat pork. It has a slightly different taste than traditional bacon and is often used in sandwiches.
    Beef bacon is a type of bacon made from beef rather than pork. It is similar in appearance and texture to traditional pork bacon, but with a distinct flavor profile. The beef used is typically meat from the belly or back of the cow, which is cured, smoked, and sliced into strips like traditional bacon.
    • Meat Source: Beef
    • Appearance: Similar to traditional pork bacon
    • Texture: Crisp and chewy
    • Flavor: Distinct beef flavor
    • Curing Process: Cured with a combination of salt, sugar, and spices

Missing your favorite type?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular type

  1. Price
    The price point of a bacon type plays a crucial role in its popularity mainly because it is a regular consumer product.
  2. Fat content
    Some people prefer their bacon with less fat, and this may affect the popularity of some types.
  3. Processing
    Different bacon types are processed in different ways, including the use of nitrates and nitrites, which may affect the taste and overall popularity.
  4. Brand
    Certain brands of bacon tend to be more popular than others due to factors such as marketing, reputation, and longstanding customer loyalty.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular type of bacon. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or type is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1209 views
  • 141 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each type once every 24 hours. The rank of each type is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular type of bacon

Bacon is a beloved food around the world, and there are many different types of bacon available to enjoy. From traditional pork bacon to turkey bacon, there is something for everyone. But what is the most popular type of bacon? According to our StrawPoll data, pork bacon is the clear favorite among bacon lovers. With its crispy texture and salty flavor, it's no wonder why pork bacon is the go-to choice for many people. However, there are also many fans of turkey bacon, which is a healthier alternative that still offers a similar taste and texture. No matter which type of bacon you prefer, it's clear that this delicious food is here to stay. So the next time you're at the grocery store, consider trying a new type of bacon to mix things up and add some variety to your breakfast or sandwich.

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